Today we leave for Zimbabwe. We have been told to report to the lobby by 8:30 am to head to the airport which is a 3 minute drive in order to be there in time for our 11:25 am flight. Looks like we are in for a “hurry up and wait” day. The bad news is that this might be the last you’ll hear from me for a week. I’m told that the WiFi service for the next week will be poor, at best.
We had a great day yesterday after arrival. As I mentioned our pick up at the airport and delivery to the hotel went very smoothly. Since we arrived early we arranged a tour of Johannesburg and Soweto. The tour was 4 hours and only 2 other people signed up so it was very comfortable. Our guide (who introduced himself as “Prosper”) was magnificent. He was an excellent driver and very knowledgeable about Johannesburg.
Prosper talked to us about the Europeans entry to South Africa, the discovery of gold and diamonds. I’m sure it’s not surprising to learn that the influx of foreigners was closely related to the discovery of those two precious items. Prosper also told us about the history of apartheid and the transition from minority white rule to majority African rule. We got to see the homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. We also visited some very depressing housing areas and a museum dedicated to the 600 children killed during a protest on June 16, 1976. It was a very interesting and sobering 4 hours.
Prosper, Patrice, and Robert on our tour bus.Housing, minutes from Johannesburg.Closer look at same area.Nelson Mandela’s home.Desmond Tutu’s home.Apparently this young man thought that Bishop Tutu’s home was a urinal.
We are ready to board our flight to Zimbabwe. I hope I can send you some pictures tomorrow. If not enjoy the respite from my rambling while you can.
Although we were put through hell yesterday (or was that today?) the flight on Virgin Atlantic was spectacular. We had very comfy seats that converted into beds. It wasn’t that the seat reclined but rather the seat converted to a bed. The flight attendant had to help with the transition. I got 4 hours sleep which is darn good for me on a plane. I’m hoping to get a few more on our next flight.
The flight crew was great. They were very attentive although at times a bit hard to understand. During the meal service one of the flight attendants asked if I “had your starta yet?” She repeated this about 4 times before I realized she was asking “Have you had your starter yet?” It still took me a moment to understand that she was asking if I had my appetizer (starter) yet. After finishing my starter I tried to grab the fork as the attendant was taking the plate. She said “Don’t worry about that, I bring you a clean one”. It felt like fine dining at 37,000 feet. Although the flight staff was very caring they did seem a bit ditsy at times. For example they brought Patrice’s dessert but never brought mine. Either they forgot or possibly they were aware that I’ve put on 7 pounds since starting this travel extravaganza on March 2nd and were trying to reverse the trend.
After a rest at the Heathrow airport lounge we headed to our gate for our flight from London to Johannesburg. There was a paucity of places to sit by the gate but luckily we grabbed two spots. People were lined up to board but no announcement had been made regarding boarding. Then they announced that boarding would begin in 10 minutes and a slew of people joined the other passengers on line. Next we informed that, due to some maintenance issues, boarding would be delayed another 30 minutes. Patrice and I remained seated but people on line did not budge. Don’t these people realize we will all be getting to Johannesburg at the same time no matter when we board the plane? And of course we will get there about 30 minutes before our luggage which I’m convinced must come via a separate carrier. How else can you explain an elderly person like me heading to baggage claim, stopping off for a bathroom break, and in spite of my snail’s pace still getting there before my luggage?
Now we are on our flight and heading to Johannesburg which I’ve learned is affectionately called either “Jo-Burg” or “JNB”. I’m hopeful a nap will be followed by some travel brilliance once we arrive in Jo Burg.
10 Hours Later:
We arrived in JNB after an adequate flight on British Airways. We lost a day with the flight, leaving London on May 23 and arriving at JNB on May 24th. We both got some sleep so we are ready to roll. Unfortunately for a passenger near us I had to climb over his feet every time I went to the bathroom so I would unavoidably wake him each time.
The poor bloke who I kicked or stepped on every time I went to the loo. He was very understanding but I still felt bad.
Our OAT pickup at the airport could not have been smoother (OAT gets a point for this but I’m still annoyed at them). Then a 3 minute shuttle ride got us to our hotel. Johannesburg is just an arrival juncture. Tomorrow morning we leave for Victoria Falls. Since we have the day to ourselves (and because we have been told by numerous people that Jo Burg can be a bit dicey) we decided to hire a guided tour of the city rather than explore on our own.
More about that tomorrow. I think it’s time for another nap before we head out to see the city.
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 